Returning Money

[moblue]

I was overpaid by one of the leagues I work for. When I called the league UIC about it, he asked how I wanted to handle the situation. I suggested writing a check to XXXXXXX Youth League. He instead told me to write a check to him for the amount over and he would get it to XXXXXX. I am uncomfortable doing this and, quite frakely, am not sure of what to do.

The checks have an address on them which I checked on google maps. It appears to be an accounting firm. Of course the name of the bank is also on the check, so there is the possibility of calling them.

Why does trying to do the right thing feel more like this instead of this:angel4:?

[willv28]

Money Order?

[BrianC14]

I was overpaid by one of the leagues I work for. When I called the league UIC about it, he asked how I wanted to handle the situation. I suggested writing a check to XXXXXXX Youth League. He instead told me to write a check to him for the amount over and he would get it to XXXXXX. I am uncomfortable doing this and, quite frakely, am not sure of what to do.

The checks have an address on them which I checked on google maps. It appears to be an accounting firm. Of course the name of the bank is also on the check, so there is the possibility of calling them.

Why does trying to do the right thing feel more like this instead of this:angel4:?

The accounting firm is really no surprise - leagues often do that to avoid having anyone with the league "too close to the cash" if you know what I mean.

I'd simply write out the check to the league, and explain the overpayment in a short note.

[LMSANS]

I would make it out to the league.

A couple of years ago, i was paid a V fee for a Fr game (football). I called the AD and asked what he wanted me to do. He said keep it ($22), the beaurocracy would cost more. I got a 1099 from that school for $619 for that year. No good deed goes unpunished.

:)

[noumpere]

I got a 1099 from that school for $619 for that year. No good deed goes unpunished.

I don't get it. What difference does it make if you get a 1099?

[LMSANS]

I don't get it. What difference does it make if you get a 1099?

To me? None, as I report my officiating income, but a lot of guys I know don't report their income unless they have to due to it being on a 1099.

[sasmallen]

Getting a 1099 means that the income has been reported to the IRS. It's common (although against the tax code) to only report the officiating income that's listed on 1099 form(s), and not report any undocumented cash income (lots of local PONY leagues around here just pay cash at the end of the night, and don't even ask for your SS#).

I'll plead the 5th when it comes to whether or not I report ALL of the income I make from umpiring. :)

[blindumpire99]

Moblue, I look at your sitch like this...

You're a good, hard working official apparently with ethics and integrity.

Only one thing to do---write the check out to the league--and sleep better at night!

[moblue]

I called the bank and talked to them about writing a check to have the overpaid fees put back into the account. They told me the correct way to make out the "Pay to the Order of" portion of the check, which is what I did. I then mailed the check to the league UIC. The way I see it, I've done my part to correct the error.

Edited July 17, 2009 by moblue

[HokieUmp]

Getting a 1099 means that the income has been reported to the IRS. It's common (although against the tax code) to only report the officiating income that's listed on 1099 form(s), and not report any undocumented cash income (lots of local PONY leagues around here just pay cash at the end of the night, and don't even ask for your SS#).

I'll plead the 5th when it comes to whether or not I report ALL of the income I make from umpiring.

Good luck with that. I'm not opening the door to the IRS to go over my last seven year's returns because I didn't report some umpiring income. What I'd save in taxes isn't worth the troubles.

And around here, there are lots of places that pay cash and/or don't ask for a SSN, but don't your organizations have a roster of who was assigned what? Even some of the rec leagues here that pay cash still have you sign a receipt book, so between that, and the Arbiter records for my association, there's a paper trail for every game I do.

[ShinySideUp]

Good luck with that. I'm not opening the door to the IRS to go over my last seven year's returns because I didn't report some umpiring income. What I'd save in taxes isn't worth the troubles.

And around here, there are lots of places that pay cash and/or don't ask for a SSN, but don't your organizations have a roster of who was assigned what? Even some of the rec leagues here that pay cash still have you sign a receipt book, so between that, and the Arbiter records for my association, there's a paper trail for every game I do.

The other scary thing is this:

Bob gets audited. He has some umpiring income that's unreported. That gives the IRS reason to audit the association. When they audit the association, they get the assignment records, fees paid, and name of every umpire on the list.

I'm on the list. Fortunately, my records exactly match the assignor's records, and my return accurately reflects income, mileage, and expenses related to my umpiring. I'm home free ... except for the medical bills from the heart attack I had when I got the IRS audit letter.

Yeah, I paid taxes on the couple of thou I made umpiring, but I avoided the need to hire a lawyer, and the expense of back taxes/fines. I'm ahead in the long run.